6 Tips for Hot Summer Legs
Summer is upon us, and that means it’s time to show off some skin. Of course, some of us are more comfortable in our skin than others. While we should embrace the body and skin we’ve been given, there’s nothing wrong with wanting to enhance our appearance and, in turn, boost our confidence. So, if you’re looking to boast some hot summer legs this season, here are six tips to give you a leg up.
1.Use Exfoliating Skin Treatment!
You might already be in the habit of exfoliating your face to keep it clean and bright, but remember that all of your skin is porous, including the skin on your legs. Look into various exfoliating skin treatments that work well for legs and use them once a week or every two weeks depending on your skin type, shaving routine, etc. Maintaining this routine will help keep your skin free from dirt, debris, and dead skin cells that would otherwise block your pores.
2. Use Skin Moisturizing Treatment
Hydrated skin is happy, healthy skin. So, find a good moisturizer and use it once or twice a day on your legs (and other body parts). Depending on your skin type and regional climate, your legs might require more or less moisturizer during the summer. Find the right amount and frequency for your skin. Once you have the routine down, your skin will be smoother, brighter, and softer.
3. Have that Hair Removed with Laser Hair Removal
Everyone has different feelings about leg hair. But if your idea of “hot summer legs” doesn’t include hair, there are many ways to handle this. The most common method is to shave on a regular basis. With a good razor, shave cream/gel, and proper technique, this can work just fine, but results will only last a couple of days to a week, depending on how fast your hair grows. And if you aren’t careful, shaving your legs can lead to cuts, irritation, rashes, ingrown hairs, and more. For these reasons, some people prefer to have their hair waxed, though this can also lead to redness and irritation. Still, results from waxing tend to last longer than shaving. For the longest results of all, though, consider laser hair removal this summer. With multiple treatments, this process can keep hair at bay for 6-12 months (so, well beyond the summer season). Of course, laser hair removal is the most expensive hair removal option here, so these long-lasting results come at a cost.
4. Stamp Out Stretch Marks with Aloe Vera
If stretch marks are preventing you from achieving the hot summer legs of your dreams, the good news is that you can do something about them. Various over-the-counter extracts, creams, vitamins, and/or formulas can help fade these scars over time. Aloe vera, cocoa butter, and castor oil are just a few such options. You might also take collagen enhancers or retinoids to help your skin heal itself, or undergo cosmetic procedures like microdermabrasion or fractional laser therapy.
5. Minimize those Varicose Veins
Varicose veins and spider veins are also common cosmetic concerns that tend to show up in one’s legs. Fortunately, you can minimize and even eliminate these bulging vessels in various ways. Sclerotherapy is the most common procedure for removing varicose veins, in which the patient’s unwanted veins are injected with a saline solution that collapses them over time. There are also invasive and non-invasive laser/heat treatments for varicose and spider veins. Regardless of which procedure you undergo, if at all, you can further mitigate these veins by wearing compression stockings, keeping your legs elevated when possible, and exercising often.
6. Enjoy the Sun While Protecting Your Skin with Sunscreen
The main reason for wanting hot summer legs is to show them off in the sunshine. Just bear in mind that too much sun can actually harm your skin, undoing the effort you put forth to get those ideal legs in the first place. So, enjoy the sun, but be smart and safe about it. Thoroughly apply a 30+ SPF sunscreen to your legs and other bare skin and reapply it every couple hours if you’re staying outside. As an added bonus, most sunscreens will enhance the look and feel of your legs, too, offering moisture and sheen as well as protection. You can also avoid sun damage but staying in the shade, limiting your time outside, and covering your skin when possible.
Put your best foot (or leg, rather) forward this summer by taking great care of your skin. And let the experts at Premier Dermatology Partners help you if you have any questions or concerns. To learn more about our providers and all the services we offer, contact us today.